PLACENTIA
Residents who live near a dilapidated apartment complex applauded and cheered Tuesday night after the City Council voted to demolish the three-unit structure because the landlord failed to bring it up to city and county codes.
The council action ended 12 years of repeated complaints by neighbors and tenants, who contend landlord Mangal Verma failed to maintain the property at 219 S. Melrose Ave.
On June 15, city officials declared the site a public nuisance after an anonymous complaint led city and county inspectors to conduct a videotaped inspection in May. Inside they found vermin infestation, exposed wires, and walls riddled with holes.
The city will send Verma a letter notifying him that he has 30 days to tear down the building. If he does not comply, then the city is authorized to conduct the demolition and bill Verma for the work.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
